Healthcare Staff You Might Encounter

Throughout your pregnancy you may come across many healthcare professionals.  It can be daunting to figure out where all of them fit in to your pregnancy.  Here is a brief introduction into who these wonderful professionals are and how they might be able to help you.

Doctors:

Doctors are medical professionals who are trained and able to assist with the process of pregnancy and childbirth.  A doctor has a medical degree, and there are two common types of doctors; allopathic and alternative.  Both types are qualified professionals, each with their own standards of practice.

- ALLOPATHIC
An allopathic doctor will have one of two degrees, M.D (doctor of medicine) or D.O (doctor of osteopathy).  They have gone through four years of medical school, with additional training requirements for specialization.  Allopathic doctors typically focus on western medicine, utilizing medical interventions such as medication and surgical procedures to correct illness and disease.  These healthcare professionals monitor the development and safety of the mother and her unborn child.  Such doctors might include your General Practitioner, Gynecologist, or O.B.G.Y.N.

- ALTERNATIVE
An alternative doctor with also have one of two degrees, D.C (doctor of chiropractic medicine) or N.D. (doctor of naturopathic medicine).  They have gone through four years of medical school, with additional training requirements for specialization.  Alternative doctors typically focus on natural methods to empower to body for optimal health.  These healthcare professionals monitor nutrition and general well-being, and assist in relieving symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as back pain and other discomforts.  Such doctors might include your Chiropractor or Naturopath.

 

Nurses:

Nurses are medical professionals who have undergone training to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing.  Nurses assist the doctors in carrying out medical procedures, providing care and support to patients.  During your labor and delivery, you will likely encounter two types of nurses; Labor & Delivery and Postpartum. 

- LABOR AND DELIVERY
Labor and delivery nurses are trained to support women and their families throughout the labor and delivery process.  In a hospital setting, the nurse will be your primary healthcare provider during labor and delivery.  Nurses can assist the mother in labor, provide pain management, and monitor the progress of both the mother and the baby during labor and delivery, among other things.

- POSTPARTUM
Postpartum nurses are trained to support new mothers and their babies by teaching them how to interact with one another, assistance with breastfeeding, and other helpful suggestions on caring for your new baby.

 

Midwives:

Midwives are trained medical professionals who provide complete, comprehensive care during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and six weeks postpartum.  Midwives typically practice in homes, hospitals, and birthing centers to women in low-risk pregnancies.  In hospital and birthing center settings, they work directly with the medical staff to provide the highest level of healthcare possible.

 

Doulas:

Doulas are certified care providers who are expertly trained to support pregnant and laboring women through the birthing process.  Doulas provide unconditional support, natural pain relief, and offer various suggestions to make the birthing process more comfortable and enjoyable for the mother and her family.